JANUARY IS BLOOD DONOR MONTH

Northeastern Pennsylvania Region

January 7, 2011

JANUARY IS BLOOD DONOR MONTH

Donors Encouraged to ‘Warm Your Heart, Heat Your Home’

January 5, 2011 - Since 1970, January has been recognized by presidential decree as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. To help ensure an adequate blood supply, the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region is proud to take this opportunity to thank those dedicated individuals who donate blood throughout Pennsylvania.

In northeastern Pennsylvania, blood inventories are of great concern, particularly in the winter months when winter storms, icy roads and illness can have a detrimental effect on community blood supplies, which is already just days ahead of demand. January is an excellent time to publicly thank those Silent Heroes who help save lives every day and issue a call to action for those who have never given blood or have not donated recently.

Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.orgto find a blood drive and to make appointments. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in PA), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Positive identification is required at the time of donation.

Throughout the month of January, the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region is encouraging people to give ‘Warm Your Heart, Heat Your Home’ and donate blood or platelets. Each week, daily presenting donors can enter to win a $200. Visa gift card to be used towards their winter home heating bills.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The Red Cross Blood Services Northeastern Pennsylvania Region provides lifesaving blood to 29 hospitals and must have 351 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

About the American Red Cross:

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross has been the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States for more than 50 years. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure that no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. The American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.